Courgettes, excitement and guilt: a lesson for all.

[Spliblob]

I bought some courgette seeds from friendly Uncle Sainsbury, and then I'm afraid I got a bit excited.

I've planted them straight away knowing nothing about how make grow happily and healthy. Now I feel worried and guilty.


Please say how I have done so it can be an example, good or bad, to others.
It all happened today, so it can be undone.

Also, what comes next?


Here's what I've done:

1-mixed 1prt compost and 2prts soil
2-a small pot for each seed
3-seeds in the mix with half and inch of mix on top.
4-two layers of cling-film over pots
5-pots in the airing cupboard

Spliblob

[rustylady]

Are they indoors?

Are they warm enough?

As soon as they germinate you will need to put them in really good light, and not too warm, otherwise they will just try to grow towards the sky.

Good luck, it's a bit early for me but if the frost holds off you may have the first crops!

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi Spliblob and welcome to the vine.

I am going to grow courgettes for the first time this year too. I have just been reading the packet of seed I have to try and reassure you. However, mine are not to be sowed until April, does it tell you on the packet when yours can be done? I have gathered from other grapes that you only need 2 or 3 courgette plants to give a good supply for a family.

I think you may have planted them a little deep but I am sure more experienced grapes will be along shortly. They should be okay in the airing cupboard for a day or so but put them on a bright windowsill and remove the film as soon as you see a shoot appear.

I can understand your excitement though - think everyone is like that when the growing your own bug hits! Don't feel guilty - we all make mistakes - it's the best way to learn.

[Spliblob]

Nice to meet you Shirley,

It did say to plant them between March and July, but as its been so mild and its more or less March already, AND seeing as I growing them in pots inside, i thought it'd be fine.

2 or 3 plants eh, I've planted ten! perhaps if they all go well I'll give some away.

shall I keep in you touch with the progress?

Spliblob

[Alison]

I grow courgettes every year and they're a very easy plant although they're very hungry when mature so it would be worth preparing the bed well before putting out so that they get a good feed and remember to water plenty. I normally plant mine in a cold greenhouse in 3" pots in April, plant on into larger pots before putting outside when the dangers of frost have gone. I find it works well to sow them in an dip in the soil so that watering can be directed towards the plant.

Never planted them this early but I know some of the other grapes have done so. They may be able to advise better about how to keep them healthy for an early crop.

[Spliblob]

Thanks Alison,

I'm keeping mine in pots as I don't have a garden, but they shouldn't get too warm as they'll be in the landing in our block flats, by a huge window that stays open.

The packet said they're perfect for pots, but the window is not south facing.

Do you hold out much hope?

[Alison]

I had one in a pot outside last summer and that did well - until I went away for the week and it dried out! Whoops.

Don't have any experience of growing indoors but it's definitely worth a try and they should get decent ventilation if the window is open. I'm not too sure of the practicalities of it all but would have thought that they might have been too hot if the window was south facing so it may be an advantage not being on that side????? Although if your window is huge and they'll get plenty of lighting, you'll probably need to turn them round every few days or so or they'll try to grow towards the window side all the time. Rather outside my limited knowledge this, but am sure somebody else will be able to confirm what I'm saying or explain why it's all rubbish!!!!! You'll have to let us know how you get on.

[Spliblob]

thanks very much,

I'll keep you all informed.

Spliblob

[Two_Sheds]

Spliblob (how do you pronounce that anyway?)
I wouldn't be putting garden soil in your seed pots...because you are likely to be growing weeds (there are 100s lying dormant in the soil, just waiting for a little bit of light to germinate).
Just stick to compost for seeds, its purer ;-)

[Alice]

Hello Spliblob, I think you can be quite successful with your courgettes and doing OK so far. I think 10 will be too many, but nothing lost. I usually reckon on 1 plant per person in the house. I don't think you need to germinate them in the airing cupboard, they come quite easily. But if you want to keep them there keep a close eye on them and get them out as soon as they germinate or they will be big spindly things. Once your plants are up and growing, well, we'll be here. Why not come back for advice then.